The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program was established in 1986 through a joint agreement between Hinds Community College and the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Hinds Community College proudly provides Deaf and Hard of Hearing students qualified and highly skilled American Sign Language Interpreters. Our interpreters are devoted to providing quality interpreting services that meets the academic and vocational needs of our students. Our services play a critical role in the success of students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

The primary purpose of our services is to make sure our Deaf and Hard of Hearing students have equal access to the full college experience. Hinds Community College provides interpreting services for all co-curricular activities including (but not limited to): student/teacher conferences, group projects, and residence hall meetings. Our interpreting services strive to make the student’s tenure a phenomenal experience.

Interpreter Role and Responsibilities

Role: The interpreter’s role is to facilitate communication between students and college faculty and staff.

Responsibilities:

Be in class on time

If the student is not in class when interpreter arrives, the interpreter will leave after 15 minutes

The interpreter, student and teacher will decide on the best place for the interpreter to sit.

Interpret all material presented as accurately as possible.

Voice student responses as accurately as possible for the instructor or staff member.

Utilize the Professional Code of Conduct in all behavior and activities. This includes but is not limited to:

Confidentiality.

Accurately rendering the message and faithfully conveying the content and spirit of the speaker.